Changes in spleen size in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a pilot observational study.

BackgroundIn animal models, the spleen contracts after acute ischemic stroke, followed by release of inflammatory cells leading to secondary brain injury.AimsWe aim to characterize splenic responses in patients with acute ischemic stroke.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, we measured daily spleen sizes with abdominal ultrasound in 30 patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke. Splenic ultrasounds were also performed in 20 healthy individuals.ResultsA generalized estimating equation, longitudinal regression model for adjusted spleen measurements showed the difference between baseline spleen volume (within six-hours of stroke onset) and the volume at the last measured time point (up to seven-days) to be statistically significant (volume difference of 51·9 cm3, P = 0·04). Healthy controls had significantly smaller day-to-day variations; the maximum observed difference in mean spleen volume between any two time points was 9·5 cm3, with the average change over the period of observation being 1·...